Fact Check: Are the least college educated populations in red or blue

Fact Check: Are the Least College Educated Populations in Red or Blue States?

What We Know

The claim regarding the educational attainment of populations in red versus blue states is supported by various data sources. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, the Republican Party has gained a significant advantage among voters without a college degree, with 51% identifying as Republicans compared to 45% as Democrats. This demographic shift indicates that voters lacking a four-year degree now lean more Republican, contrasting with the Democratic advantage held by college graduates.

Further analysis shows that states that voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 election tend to have lower educational attainment levels. A study highlighted by Axios indicates that voters' education levels were predictive of their electoral choices, with less educated populations predominantly supporting Trump. Additionally, a report from Education Next suggests that red states have experienced less learning loss during the pandemic compared to blue states, which may correlate with educational outcomes.

Analysis

The evidence indicates a clear trend: states that lean Republican (red states) generally have lower levels of educational attainment compared to Democratic-leaning (blue) states. For instance, a Time article notes that states that voted for Barack Obama in 2012 had higher average high school and college graduation rates than those that supported Trump. This aligns with the findings from the Pew Research Center, which shows that educational attainment is a significant factor in partisan alignment.

However, it is crucial to consider the reliability of these sources. The Pew Research Center is widely regarded as a credible source for demographic and political analysis, providing data based on extensive surveys. Similarly, Axios and Education Next are reputable platforms that focus on educational policy and political analysis. The information from these sources is generally reliable, although it is essential to recognize potential biases inherent in political reporting.

Moreover, while the correlation between educational attainment and political affiliation is evident, it is important to note that this relationship is complex and influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status and regional differences. For example, the Moguldom article discusses how economic factors also play a role in educational disparities, suggesting that income levels in red states may contribute to lower educational attainment.

Conclusion

The claim that the least college-educated populations are predominantly in red states is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence indicating that red states have lower educational attainment levels compared to blue states, the relationship is influenced by multiple factors, including socioeconomic conditions and regional policies. The trend is clear, but it is essential to approach the data with an understanding of the broader context.

Sources

1. Red States Have Seen Less Learning Loss
2. States with fewer grads went for Trump
3. Partisanship by race, ethnicity and education
4. Where Do Red States Rank In Education
5. Ranking the States Demographically, from Most Republican-Friendly to Most Democratic-Friendly
6. Red States Least Educated in the U.S.
7. Fact Check: MAGA Red States Are The Poorest And Least Educated
8. Race, Education Remain Stark Dividing Lines in Changing U.S. Electorate